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NEWSLETTER
December 2025 aa . .
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A Note From the President
By Sharon Merchant, CEO & President
| | I am honored to serve as a Trustee for the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce (CPBC), which also encompasses the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Under the leadership of Mary Lou Bedford the Chamber recently hosted a wonderful Holiday Party at Breakers West for its Board and Trustees. CPBC is a private, member-driven organization representing more than 600 businesses, civic groups, educational institutions, and individual professionals. CPBC provides strong leadership to promote a thriving regional economy and serves as an effective advocate for its members. It also offers meaningful opportunities for business leaders to collaborate with municipal officials and help shape civic, social, and economic initiatives throughout the community. Those interested in becoming members can apply online via the button below. | | | Sharon with Mary Lou Bedford and Nickeshia S. Bullock, Board Member and Campus Director and Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations at South University | | Sharon with Wellington Councilwoman Maria Antuna and Juan Antuna | | TMS has been working on a neighborhood drainage improvement project for the Coquina Cove neighborhood in Boynton Beach for a few years. It is comprised of 64 single-family residences, located on Ocean Inlet Drive and Shore Drive, east of Federal Highway. During this time, we have provided public involvement services to ensure that residents are kept informed. Residents were actively involved and a big part of the discussion. TMS developed and maintains a web page https://coquinacoveproject.com, set up and staffed a project hotline, provided logistics for and attended public meetings, developed collateral materials, and helped in the communications with Florida Public Utilities, Florida Power & Light and Comcast. These utilities may be undergrounded during or after this project. Coquina Cove experiences localized flooding during heavy rain events. To address this issue, the City selected AECOM to assess the situation and provide the best engineering solution. Recently, Southern Underground Industries, Inc., was awarded by the City to construct drainage, water and sewer improvements including stormwater piping, drainage structures, outfalls, grading and paving, sanitary manholes and services, and water main and water services replacement. | | |
Students Donate over $5,000 to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control
| | Somerset Canyons Academy's Animal Rescue Club made a heartwarming impact at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control on December 1, 2025. The students, led by co-sponsors Rick Bryant and Eileen Watts, brought over $5,000 worth of donated supplies collected from their campus in Boynton Beach. The visit included an informative tour led by Captain Daisy Blakeman and a hands-on classroom session where students created homemade treats and toys for the animals. A special highlight was the donation of infrared cameras by Carollo Engineering, represented by Liz Fujikawa, and Eileen Watts. These cameras will assist field workers in identifying cases of animal abuse. With 41 of the club’s 65 members attending, the day was not only educational but also a testament to the students’ dedication to animal welfare. The event was beautifully documented by Lorna Menaker and shared on the shelter’s Facebook page, capturing the spirit of community and compassion. Special thanks to Alan Levine for his continual commitment to the welfare of these vulnerable animals. To support events like this, you can donate directly to Animal Rescue Club at Somerset Canyons Academy, 9385 Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, Florida 33472. | | |
Mom showed me some amazing toys that Santa might bring me if I’m a good girl. Since I’m always amazingly good, I’d say that’s already in the bag! We both crack up whenever the tags say “indestructible.” Please. My jaws can take down anything. The toys stuffed with fluff and squeakers do not stand a chance. I de-fluff them in record time, and then Mom gets to pick up all the slobbery stuffing—definitely not her favorite holiday activity. The thick, chewy toys last a little longer… maybe a day or two. I gnaw them down and break off pieces like a pro. But just so you know, I never chew house things or shoes. I’m a very good girl. Because of that, Mom takes me everywhere. I even get to walk on the golf course sometimes like a fancy lady. Mom says we’re staying home for Christmas this year. That sounds cozy, but I like to stay busy. So if anyone needs a guard girl for a day or two, just ask my mom. Payment accepted in party leftovers. That’s all for now,
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all my friends!
Cam 🐾
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